Vice President Kashim Shettima called on political leaders nationwide to avoid actions that could destabilise their parties as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. In a Facebook post on Thursday, the vice president praised the surge of consultations, alliances and political activity as evidence of a vibrant democracy, but warned that the process must be handled with prudence.
Shettima noted that the “political season is upon us again… aspirants are making calls, elders are receiving visits, and the marketplace of ambition is alive once more,” adding that such dynamism shows that democracy in Nigeria “still breathes.” He cautioned, however, that internal party differences should not be treated as betrayals or erupt into hostility.
“The political party is not a battlefield. It is a family… the roof must never be pulled down because one room appears warmer than another,” Shettima wrote. He urged party members to resist “mischief‑makers” and vested interests seeking to create division, emphasizing that unity, not mere victory in primaries, is essential for electoral success. “A fractured party may produce a candidate, but only a united party can produce victory,” he said.
The vice president highlighted the importance of inclusiveness and mutual respect, reminding stakeholders that each contributes to strengthening the party structure. “Each of us is a raindrop… together, we can become the flood that carries our party to victory,” he wrote.
Shettima described disciplined, moderate conduct as a sign of political maturity rather than weakness. He acknowledged that not all aspirants will secure party tickets, describing the outcome as part of the “arithmetic of democracy,” and urged those who lose to accept results with dignity. “It takes character to manage disappointment and statesmanship to congratulate a rival,” he added.
He also called on party leaders to ensure that primaries are conducted fairly, transparently and justly, arguing that legitimacy depends on credibility. Shettima warned against letting personal ambition undermine political platforms and urged restraint in speech and action.
Referencing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political journey, the vice president said Nigeria’s democracy has endured through accommodation, resilience and coalition‑building. He urged politicians to place collective interest above personal ambition as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify. “Contest, but do not destroy. Disagree, but do not defame. Aspire, but do not divide,” he advised.
Shettima concluded by reminding political actors that governance, not personal ambition, is the ultimate aim of politics. “If we pull the roof down in anger, nobody will be spared by the storm,” he warned, underscoring the need for unity as the nation approaches its next electoral cycle.
